William O’Rourke‘s outstanding performance in the first Test against India in Bengaluru has propelled him into the spotlight of international cricket. In just 12 overs for New Zealand, the 23-year-old pacer claimed four critical wickets, playing a key role in bowling out India for an astonishing 46, their lowest-ever total at home.

William O’Rourke’s dominance in the Test Match Against India

O’Rourke’s ability to exploit Bengaluru’s overcast conditions allowed him to dismiss some of India’s top batters, including Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, all of whom he removed for low scores. Kohli and Rahul, in particular, were sent back for ducks, marking a rare event in Indian cricket history where both senior players failed to score. O’Rourke’s lethal combination of bounce, pace, and precision was pivotal in reducing India to 33/5 in the first session, turning the match in New Zealand’s favour. In this spell, O’Rourke showcased his impeccable control and ability to maintain pressure on the Indian batters. His figures of 4/22 in 12 overs included six maidens, underlining his dominance in challenging conditions.

Impressive Test figures and wickets for New Zealand

This performance marked his second four-wicket haul in Test cricket, further bolstering his reputation as a promising fast bowler for New Zealand. Having dismissed the likes of Kohli, Rahul, and Jaiswal, he demonstrated his wicket-taking abilities and his skill in dismissing the opposition’s key players in crucial moments. His early wickets dismantled India’s top order and paved the way for a memorable collapse.

O’Rourke’s performance in Bengaluru also contributed to his impressive Test statistics. He now boasts 23 wickets in just five Tests at an average of 17.30, a remarkable feat for a young bowler. Additionally, he has taken two five-wicket hauls, proving his ability to run through batting lineups. Notably, 12 of his Test wickets have come in Asia, indicating that his skills are effective even in subcontinental conditions, which are often challenging for fast bowlers.

Also READ: Netizens?? in shock as New Zealand packs ??India for their lowest-ever total at home on Day 2 of Bengaluru Test

Here are some intriguing facts about emerging talent William O’Rourke :

1. Early Life and Background: A Family Legacy in Cricket

William Peter O’Rourke was born on August 6, 2001, in Kingston upon Thames, London. His early life in England played a crucial role in shaping his passion for cricket. His family, steeped in the sport, influenced his budding career from the start. His father, Patrick O’Rourke, played domestic cricket for Wellington between 1989 and 1992, and his uncle, Matthew O’Rourke, also had a brief stint with Auckland. Will’s father, Patrick, had a successful domestic career, playing 29 first-class matches for Wellington, where he claimed 89 wickets. The family’s cricketing lineage extends to Patrick’s brother, Matthew, who also had a brief stint in New Zealand’s domestic circuit.

At the age of five, O’Rourke’s family moved to Auckland, New Zealand, marking the beginning of his cricketing journey in the land of the Blackcaps. His upbringing in a cricket-loving household, combined with the support of his family, made O’Rourke’s passion for the game grow stronger. Despite his early years in England, his ambition was always to represent New Zealand at the highest level.

2. Rise Through the Ranks: Youth Cricket and U-19 World Cup

O’Rourke’s potential was quickly recognized in New Zealand’s domestic cricket circles. He first gained attention by representing New Zealand at the age-group level, including the 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Though he had a mixed performance in the tournament, his?? consistent domestic displays paved the way for his rapid rise.

His domestic debut in all formats – first-class, List A, and T20 – came in the 2021/22 season, where he played for Canterbury. He soon emerged as a standout player, topping the wicket-taking charts in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash tournaments. A highlight of his domestic career was his remarkable spell of 6/20 against Otago in a Ford Trophy match, the second-best bowling figures by a Canterbury player in List A cricket. ??This performance reinforced his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in New Zealand cricket.

3. International Debut and Breakthrough

In December 2023, O’Rourke earned his first international call-up for New Zealand’s ODI series against Bangladesh. He made his debut on December 17, 2023, in Dhaka, making history as the first England-born cricketer to represent New Zealand since Roger Twose in the 1990s. His second ODI sa??w him grab the spot??light with figures of 3/47, an early sign of his talent at the international level.

Following his successful ODI debut, O’Rourke was included in New Zealand’s Test squad in February 2024. His Test debut was nothing short of spectacular. Facing South Africa, O’Rourke delivered a historic performance, recording 9/93 in the match – breaking records for the best match figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut. His ability to take a five-wicket haul in the second innings cemented his place as a key player in New Zealand’s Test lineup.

4. Playing Style and Skills

O’Rourke’s imposing height at 6’4″, combined with his ability to consistently bowl at speeds above 140 km/h  makes him a formidable force on the pitch. His bowling is marked by the extra bounce he can generate, along with his natural swing, both of which pose significant challenges for batters. O’Rourke’s versatility allows him to excel in different conditions, particularly in Asia, where he has already taken 12 wickets in Test matches. His bowling style has often drawn comparisons to fellow New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, with whom O’Rourke has worked closely to develop his skills. The combination of pace, bounce, and swing makes him a dangerous option in both the longer and shorter formats of the game.

5. Disappointment and Motivation: The IPL Snub

Despite his rapid rise, O’Rourke faced a significant setback during the IPL mini-auction 2024. He went unsold despite a base price of Rs lakh, a snub that shocked many given his recent performances. However, this disappointment only fueled his desire to improve and prove his worth in the limited-overs format. With his undeniable talent, O’Rourke is likely to be a hot commodity in future IPL auctions, especially as he continues to establish himself as a versatile player.

Also READ: 3 teams who can target W??illiam O’Rourke in?? IPL 2025 auction

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William O’Rourke, the towering six-foot five-inch pacer from New Zealand, made headlines with his exceptional bowling performance on Day 2 of the first Test against India. At the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, O’Rourke led New Zealand’s attack and dismantled the Indian batting lineup, which was bowled out for just 46 runs �?the third-lowest total in India’s Test history.

Impressive track record despite limited experience

O’Rourke was the standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets, including prized scalps of Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul. Despite being relatively new to the international cricket scene, he has shown consistent improvement. Since making his First-Class debut in 2022, he has played five Test mat???ches and picked up 23 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

A hot commodity in the upcoming auction

In T20 cricket, O’Rourke h?as been equally impressive with 28 wickets in 27 matches. Given his skills and recent success, he is likely to be a hot commodity in the IPL 2025 auctions, as many teams are on the lookout for a premier fast bowl??er.

3 teams who can target Will O’Rourke in the IPL 2025 auction

1. Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) have shown a strong preference for fast bowlers who can consistently bowl at high speeds, and O’Rourke could be a perfect addition to their squad. With the upcoming auction, DC will be looking to strengthen their pace attack, especially after witnessing O’Rourke’s recent performances against India. Pairing him with the likes of Anrich Nortje, who is already a key figure in the Delhi lineup, could create a lethal fast-bowling combination that troubles any batting order. O’Rourke’s ability to extract bounce and? movement due to his height can make him an ideal bowler, especially on pitches that offer some assistance to quicks.

The conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, known for its slightly slower pitches, might work to O’Rourke’s advantage. With his ability to vary his pace and generate awkward bounce, he could become a crucial asset in DC’s bowling arsenal. Additionally, the team management’s recent emphasis on grooming young and promising players means O’Rourke would not only get a chance to develop further but also form a formida??ble p?artnership with Nortje, making Delhi’s pace attack one of the most potent in the tournament.

Also READ: 3 teams ?who can target Dunith Wellalage in the? IPL 2025 auction

2. Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have traditionally relied on their fast bowlers to set the tone, and the upcoming auction presents them with an opportunity to further bolster their lineup. Last season, PBKS relied heavily on Kagiso Rabada and Nathan Ellis, both of whom were effective in different conditions. However, with fitness concerns and the need for depth, add??ing a tall, skillful pacer like O’Rourke would make a lot of sense for the franchise. His ability to swing the ball, coupled with his height, could offer a different dimension to Punjab’s bowling unit, e??nsuring that they have a well-rounded attack that can handle various situations.

The fast-bowling friendly conditions at Mohali, PBKS’s home ground, are likely to play to O’Rourke’s strengths. Mohali’s pitch traditionally offers bounce and pace, elements that O’Rourke could exploit to full effect. The New Zealand bowler’s ability to use the new ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs would provide PBKS with the cutting edge they have sometimes lacked in the middle overs. In O’Rourke, Punjab could find a reliable pacer who adds depth and ensures their bowling attack remains competitive throughout the tournament.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had their share of struggles with their bowling lineup over the years, often struggling to find a balance that complements their explosive batting unit. In the IPL 2024, RCB fielded an impressive lineup of fast bowlers, including Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, and Alzarri Joseph. However, fitness issues have often hampered the consistency of their pace attack, and heading into the 2025 auction, they might look to address this by adding a young, fit, and dependable bowler like O’Rourke. His recent success in Bengaluru during the Test series against India makes him a prime candidate to shine at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a ground? not known for favoring bowlers.

While the Chinnaswamy pitch is generally favorable to batsmen, O’Rourke’s performance there in the red-ball format indicates he has what it take?s to succeed even on challenging surfaces. His ability to generate bounce and maintain tight lines can add a new dimension to RCB’s bowling unit. Moreover, having already bowled on this ground, he would have a psychological advantage, understanding how to adapt his length and pace variations to the shorter format. Adding O’Rourke could not only improve RCB’s bowling lineup but also bring a fresh and reliable option to the franchise’s efforts to claim their maiden IPL title.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts Rohit Sharma’s potential price in I??PL 2025 auction

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William O’Rourke, a name that has been steadily gaining prominence in the New Zealand cricket landscape, showcased his exceptional talent against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series. Filling in the footsteps of Kyle Jamieson, O’Rourke has emerged as a formidable force in the Kiwi bowling attack. His performances in his first two Tests have been nothing short of sensational, earning him widespread acclaim.

A dream performance by William O’Rourke in Galle

O’Rourke’s maiden Test series in Asia at Galle, was a dream come true. In his very first match on Asian soil, he demonstrated his class and potential, becoming the second-youngest pacer in Test history to claim a five-wicket haul. His ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch, even in challenging conditions, was evident throughout the innings.

O’Rourke’s wicket-taking prowess was on full display as he dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his deceptive pace, made it difficult for the batters to adapt. Dimuth Karunaratne, the experienced Sri Lankan opener, fell victim to O’Rourke’s swing, providing the Kiwi pacer with a dream start.

Also WAT?CH: Glenn Phillips bowls an ripper to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 1 of the first T??est

A deadly yorker to dismiss Pathum Nissanka

O’Rourke’s repertoire extends beyond swing bowling. He also possesses the ability to deliver deadly yorkers. Pathum Nissanka, another Sri Lankan opener, was left bamboozled by a perfectly executed yorker, which resulted in his dismissal. O’Rourke’s accuracy and control were on show as he consistently targeted the stumps, making life difficult for the batters.

Continuing his impressive spell, O’Rourke trapped Angelo Mathews outside the off-stump, demonstrating his ability to swing the ball both ways. The Sri Lankan tail was no match for O’Rourke’s relentless pressure, as he wrapped up the innings by dismissing Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando.

A gloomy start to Sri Lanka’s play on Day 2

Sri Lanka reached 302/7 at the end of the Day 1, but lost Prabath Jayasuriya shortly after the lunch break, trapped before the stumps by Ajaz Patel. Rain interrupted play for 45 minutes not long after, and when the action resumed, O’Rourke continued his impressive form. He dismissed Mendis and Fernando, adding two more wickets to his tally. Sri Lanka managed just three runs during this period but lost three wickets, highlighting the dominance of the New Zealand bowlers. The hosts have scored 305 runs in the first innings of Galle.

Also WATCH: Wil??liam O’Rourke rattles Pathum Nissanka’s stumps with an inswinging yorker on Day 1 of first Test

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On Day 1 of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Blackcaps pacer William O’Rourke made a significant impact by dismissing both Sri Lankan opening batters early. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to capitalize on favorable conditions. However, O’Rourke’s impressive bowling quickly turned the game in New Zealand’s favour. His skillful use of the new ball and precise execution of deliveries saw him take two crucial wickets, setting a challenging tone for the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

Early setback for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s innings faced an immediate setback when opener Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed for just 2 runs. O’Rourke, taking advantage of the early movement in the pitch, delivered a well-executed delivery that induced a thick edge off Karunaratne’s bat. The ball flew safely into the hands of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who made no mistake in completing the catch. Karunaratne’s departure after such a short stay at the crease set a worrying tone for Sri Lanka, leaving them in a precarious position as they struggled to build a solid foundation for their innings.

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024, Test series: Date, ??Match Time, Squads, Broadcast & Live Streaming details

Pathum Nissanka’s brief stay cut short by William O’Rourke

Pathum Nissanka, who had been in impressive form with a recent century in England, appeared to be a key figure for Sri Lanka in this match. He began his innings with confidence, scoring 27 runs off just 24 balls, including five well-placed boundaries. Nevertheless, O’Rourke’s relentless pressure and tactical acumen were evident when he targeted Nissanka with a series of deliveries that exploited the conditions effectively.

In the sixth over of the innings, O’Rourke unleashed a perfectly executed inswinging yorker, aimed to disrupt Nissanka’s rhythm. The ball swung sharply and struck Nissanka’s pads. The delivery was so precisely aimed that it uprooted the middle stump, sending Nissanka back to the pavilion with his innings cut short. The late swing of the ball caught Nissanka completely off guard, showcasing O’Rourke’s mastery of the conditions and his ability to deliver under pressure. This crucial breakthrough further compounded Sri Lanka’s struggles and highlighted O’Rourke’s role in New Zealand’s early dominance and reduced the hosts to 88/2 at lunch.

Here’s the video:

𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐫-ing and how 🦁�?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&ref_s?rc=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpe?l-link="exclude">#SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/Ey32O0enah

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2024

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024: New Zealand’s best XI for the Test series?? ?against Sri Lanka

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In the 4th T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand, held at the Gaddafi Stadium as part of the New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2024, N??ew Zealand won a closely contested game by a margin ??of just 4 runs.

Tim Robinson powers New Zealand to a formidable total

In the first innings, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs. They got off to a strong start with Tim Robinson scoring 51 runs off 36 balls and Tom Blundell contributing 28 runs off 15 balls. Dean Foxcroft‘s aggressive innings of 34 runs off 26 balls and Michael Bracewell‘s handy knock of 27 runs off 20 balls helped New Zealand reach a challenging total of 178/7.

Pakistan’s bowlers put in a decent effort, with Abbas Afridi being the stan??dout performer. He ??ended up taking 3 wickets for just 20 runs in his 3 overs.

William O Rourke’s fine bowling takes Black Caps home

Chasing 179 for victory, Pakistan started steadily, but it was Fakhar Zaman who anchored the innings with a brilliant knock of 61 runs off 45 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. However, despite contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed (23 runs off 20 balls) and Imad Wasim (22 runs off 11 balls)??????????????????????????, Pakistan fell short of the targ??et, finishing at 174/8 in their 20 overs.

New Zealand’s bowlers, led by William O Rourke, who was named Player of the Match, delivered crucial spells to defend their total. O Rourke claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs, well supported by Ben Sears and Bracewell.

In the end, New Zealand’s collective effort with both bat and ball secured them a narrow yet significant victory, adding another thrilling chapter to the series between the two competitive sides.

Also WATCH: PAK vs NZ – Shadab Khan takes a screamer to dismiss Mark Chapman in the 4th T20I

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Player of the Match in Lahore! Will O'Rourke with 3-27 to lead the effort defending with the ball in T20I 4. Scorecard | //t.co/DIydGAiqdr #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/GnWbiKGptF

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 25, 2024

Congratulations to the young @BLACKCAPS side on back to back wins
Well bowled William and Ben
And well batted Tim Robinson #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricket

— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) April 25, 2024

NZ win by 4 runs. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/XLFsKboU19

— Akash Sharma (@TheAfterVerse) April 26, 2024

Where is the shame?
Where is the series win?
Where is the link?#PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/yZW4drQqZn

— Heisenberg (@rovvmut_) April 26, 2024

The fourth T20I is decided on the last ball as New Zealand win by 4️⃣ runs.#PAKvNZ | #AaTenuMatchDikhawan pic.twitter.com/3msHvaaZ1O

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 25, 2024

Meme#PAKvNZ |#PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/lKLtqPtPlX

— Azam-K (@Azamk555) April 26, 2024

//twitter.com/mabrarjaffar/status??/1783712477831680138

Pakistani fans love Cricket 👏

But, when Pakistan full strength side lose to New Zealand D side, then fans can't believe it 🤐 and reactions comes out in tears 👀#PAKvNZ #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/VW7XEzK1Ft

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) April 25, 2024

Pakistan lose a second string New Zealand side.

Le Babar fans after he once again disappointed them as a player and captain #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/YUj382qTcs

— Rooh (@jehlimus) April 25, 2024

Pakistan lose back to back games against Newzealand B?? team..

Very embarrassing situation as a fan of Pakistan Cricket #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Nuh8TVc1qd

— Ejaz Rafiq (@EjazRafiq514) April 25, 2024

Also READ: PAK vs NZ 2024, T20I series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details �?When and where to watch in India, USA, UK, Pakistan & other nations

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